Innovation:

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Maas said that he and publisher William Barker mutually agreed to the move "after much consideration and conversation" between them.

Maas was named executive editor of the paper, which competes with the Poynter-owned Tampa Bay Times, in May. His last day is Nov. 30.

Maas told Tribune reporter Richard Mullins his decision was influenced by what Mullins describes as a "personal faith journey," as well as changes in the Tribune's organizational structure.

Maas said several factors then came together for him. The strategic work of reorganizing the Tribune was largely done. The role of executive editor was less necessary when the Tribune was no longer owned by a larger corporation. And he had positioned several other editors to take over.

"This was not about someone putting a gun to my head and saying 'do this or else,' or forcing me out," Maas said. "This is looking at my life, where I'm at and the opportunity for me to look for new challenges – and allow me to leave an organization at an opportune moment."

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

Andrew Beaujon reported on the media for Poynter from 2012 to 2015. He was previously arts editor at TBD.com and managing editor of Washington City Paper. He's the author of the 2006 book "Body Piercing Saved My Life," about Christian rock and evangelical Christian culture.